What is the importance of regular dental check-ups?
Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are an important part of maintaining good oral health and preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Here are some of the benefits of regular dental check-ups and cleanings:
Early detection of dental problems: During a dental check-up, your dentist will examine your teeth, gums, and mouth for any signs of decay, infection, or other dental problems. By detecting and treating these problems early, your dentist can help prevent more serious and costly issues from developing later on.
Professional teeth cleaning: A professional teeth cleaning by a dental hygienist can remove plaque and tartar that can build up on your teeth and cause tooth decay and gum disease. This cleaning also includes polishing, which can remove surface stains and leave your teeth looking cleaner and brighter.
Oral cancer screening: Your dentist will also check for signs of oral cancer, which can be difficult to detect in its early stages. Early detection and treatment of oral cancer can improve the chances of survival.
Maintenance of overall health: Regular dental check-ups and cleanings can also help to maintain overall health. For example, gum disease has been linked to several systemic health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, by visiting your dentist regularly, you can help prevent these issues.
Professional advice: A visit to the dentist allows you to ask questions and receive professional advice on how to take care of your teeth and gums at home, such as how to brush and floss properly, how to maintain a healthy diet, and how to prevent dental problems.
What are my options to replace a missing tooth?
If you have a missing tooth, there are several options available to replace it. These include:
- 1Dental implants: A dental implant is a metal post that is surgically placed into the jawbone to replace the missing tooth root. Once the implant has fused with the jawbone, a dental crown is placed on top to create a natural-looking and functioning replacement tooth.
- 2Dental bridges: A dental bridge is a prosthetic device that consists of one or more artificial teeth that are attached to adjacent natural teeth or dental implants. The adjacent teeth or implants act as anchors to hold the bridge in place.
- 3Partial dentures: A partial denture is a removable appliance that is designed to replace one or more missing teeth. The denture is made of artificial teeth that are attached to a gum-colored base, and it is held in place by metal or plastic clasps that attach to the remaining natural teeth
- 4Flipper: A flipper is a removable, temporary dental appliance that can be used to replace one or more missing teeth. It is made of acrylic and has a plastic or wire clasp that hooks onto the remaining natural teeth.
Your dentist can help determine which option is best for you based on your specific dental needs and preferences. Factors such as the location of the missing tooth, the condition of the surrounding teeth and gums, and your overall oral health will also be taken into consideration when choosing the most suitable option.
How often should I change my toothbrush?
It is recommended that you change your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed or damaged. This is because worn out bristles may not effectively clean your teeth and gums, and can also harbor bacteria.
In addition, it is also recommended that you replace your toothbrush after an illness, such as a cold or flu, to prevent the spread of germs.
If you use an electric toothbrush, you should also replace the brush head every three to four months, or as recommended by the manufacturer. Some electric toothbrushes have built-in indicators that signal when it’s time to change the brush head.
Regularly replacing your toothbrush or brush head can help ensure that you are effectively cleaning your teeth and gums, and maintain good oral hygiene.
What is periodontitis
Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that occurs when the bacterial plaque that forms on the teeth is not removed through regular brushing and flossing. The bacteria in the plaque produce toxins that irritate the gums, causing them to become inflamed and to pull away from the teeth. As the infection progresses, the gums can begin to form pockets around the teeth that fill with more plaque and bacteria. Over time, the gums and the bone that support the teeth can become seriously damaged, leading to tooth loss.
Periodontitis can have several symptoms, including:
- Red, swollen, and tender gums
- Gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
- Receding gums, which can make teeth appear longer than normal
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Changes in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together when biting
Periodontitis is a progressive disease, it can be diagnosed and treated by a dentist or periodontist. It’s important to catch it early and prevent it from progressing, treatment can include scaling and root planing, medication, and in advanced cases, surgery may be necessary.
Risk factors for periodontitis include poor oral hygiene, smoking, diabetes, certain medications, and certain medical conditions. Regular dental check-ups, good oral hygiene habits and a healthy lifestyle can help to prevent periodontitis and keep the teeth and gums healthy.
What can contribute to gum disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a common condition that affects the gums and supporting tissues of the teeth. It is caused by the buildup of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and gums. Here are some factors that can contribute to the development of gum disease:
- 1
Poor oral hygiene: Failing to brush and floss your teeth regularly can allow plaque to build up on your teeth and gums, leading to gum disease.
- 2
Smoking and tobacco use: Tobacco use can increase the risk of gum disease and make it harder to treat. Smoking can also interfere with the healing process after gum disease treatment.
- 3
Genetics: Some people may be more susceptible to gum disease due to their genetic makeup.
- 4
Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy, puberty, and menopause can make the gums more sensitive and increase the risk of gum disease.
- 5
Diabetes: People with diabetes are at an increased risk of gum disease due to high blood sugar levels that can lead to bacterial growth in the mouth.
- 6Medications: Certain medications, such as antihistamines and blood pressure drugs, can cause dry mouth, which can increase the risk of gum disease.
- 7
Poor nutrition: A diet that is high in sugar and low in nutrients can contribute to the development of gum disease.
If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other oral health problems. Maintaining good oral hygiene, quitting smoking, and seeing your dentist regularly can help prevent gum disease and detect it early when it is easier to treat.
Tips for bad breath
Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor oral hygiene, certain foods, dry mouth, medical conditions, and smoking. To control bad breath, it’s important to take steps to maintain good oral hygiene and address any underlying causes. Here are some tips to help control bad breath:
- 1
Brush and floss regularly: Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day to remove plaque and food particles that can cause bad breath.
- 2
Scrape your tongue: Use a tongue scraper or a toothbrush to gently remove bacteria and dead cells from the surface of your tongue, which can also contribute to bad breath.
- 3
Use an antiseptic mouthwash: Rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
- 4
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moisturized and to wash away bacteria and food particles.
- 5
Avoid tobacco products: Smoking and other tobacco products can cause bad breath and stain your teeth.
- 6
Watch your diet: Certain foods, such as onions, garlic, and spicy foods, can cause bad breath. Try to avoid these foods or brush your teeth and tongue after eating them.
- 7
Visit your dentist regularly: Regular dental check-ups and professional teeth cleaning can help keep your mouth healthy and prevent bad breath.
- 8
Treat underlying medical conditions: certain medical conditions such as sinusitis, acid reflux, and diabetes can cause bad breath, if you have any of these conditions or suspect you have one please consult your doctor.
Remember that bad breath can be a sign of a more serious problem, so if you have persistent bad breath despite trying these tips, it’s important to see a dentist or doctor to find out the underlying cause.
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Our office offers a full array of dental services to help you create a satisfying smile. Simply call, send us an email or fill out the form and we will contact you shortly to confirm your appointment. We look forward to seeing you.
Monday
9am – 5pm
Tuesday
9am – 5pm
Wednesday
11am – 7pm
Thursday
11am – 7pm
Friday
9am – 4pm
West Island Smiles,
802-6600 Trans-Canada Highway,
Pointe-Claire, Québec,
H9R 4S2